mothers the opportunity to learn Greek for free at convenient hours while offering creative arts programs for the children who need care. Mothers learn Greek in the municipal day care centers that their children attend thus acclamating them to the school setting and it's teachers. This instills pride in the chldren who see their mothers sitting in the same chairs they do while learning. It facillitates access to the school environment allowing the mothers to familiarize themselves on a weekly basis with the teachers. Lastly, endearing bonds are created between mother and chid as mothers are now capable of actively contributing to their child's school life. Accreditation is given at the end of the course which allows them the language certificate for application for the the long term residence permit This program began as a pilot program in one day care center in 2008 and now is offered in all 7 districts of Athens. 400 woman so far have taken part in the programs. The ministry of the interior has adopted the program and expanded it to another 7 municipalities around the Attica area this year.  We recently formed the Immigrant Council comprised of proportionate representation of immigrant communities living in the 7 districts of Athens. The council is a mixture of immigrants, gov't and NGO's and serves as an advisory board to the city council on issues pertaining to immigrants  We offer langauge and computer certificate programs for job training  I run an anti racism football tournament, FARE (football against racism in europe) for the last 4 years andUEFA sponsored project where children of all ethnicities come together and play solidarity matches and show racism & violence the red card We celebrate diversity through a multiethnic festival of nations. Immigrant groups perform dance and song sharing their culture with others in a festive atmosphere Last, but certainly not least was the powerful statement made by the Mayor in personally appointing a visible minority to be his special advisor on immigrant affairs. If that wasn't provactive enough for you contemplate this, I am a member of the opposition party ! Thank you